Commentary: Utah students don’t need or want comprehensive sex education

In the current debate regarding the need to provide comprehensive sex education (CSE) to Utah students, two high school students have argued that by providing CSE only then teens can keep themselves and others safe if they chose to have sex.

However, many disagree with this claim. A poll was conducted which showed that only two-third students preferred CSE to abstinence-only sex education. However, it is being argued that students were not told what CSE is and no examples were given. Therefore, it cannot be said with certainty whether the citizens want CSE or not.

Another fear lies in parents that by providing CSE, teens will be encouraged to have sex. To refute the notion, the Guttmacher Institute stated, “Receiving sex education actually delays teen sex.”

The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance shows that only 41% teens in U.S. are engaged in sexual activity, which is far lower when compared with Utah, indicating that abstinence-based education provided in Utah is not very effective. A recent survey also concluded that CSE studies do not demonstrate a reduction in teen STI.

The solution to the issue will only be possible is students are given a caveat to opt out of CSE classes.